Distribution & Size
Cobia are an all year round residents of
south Florida and part time residents in other states. They migrate north in spring
and return south in the fall. They are full time residents of Tampa Bay and Charlotte
Harbor.
They favor natural and man made submerged structures such as reefs and
wrecks. They are common in size from 20 to 50lbs and sometimes up to 80lbs and
more.
The Florida record is 114lbs 8ozs and the World record is 135lbs 9ozs.
General Information
They are a strong but unpredictable
fighter. Usually they take of on long fast runs and fight deep with great
stamina. Some fish save there best until they are boated when they proceed to thrash
the boat as best they can. So watch your legs as a nasty tail smack can hurt.
To the UK visitor they are curiously
known here as LING. The UK version bears no resemblance either in appearance,
fighting or speed qualities.
Tackle & Bait
Surf tackle is best for pier fishing and for
boats when long casting with heavy lures. 30lb line or heavier is best used.
They can also be successfully caught by using spinning tackle, bait
casting and fly
tackle. Live baitfish, shrimp, crab, squid and dead fish have been successfully
employed.
Eating Qualities
Excellent smoked or fresh.